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RFU taking no further action over Tom Youngs bite claim

The RFU will take no action over claims from Tom Youngs that he was bitten during Leicester's win over Northampton.

Last Updated: 30/03/14 5:06pm

Wayne Barnes: Referee speaks to Dylan Hartley about the claim

The Tigers hooker appeared to suggest that his England team-mate Dylan Hartley was responsible for the alleged bite, and Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder later insisted he would speak to his club captain.

The incident was referred to RFU citing officer Andy Blyth, who has decided to take no further action after reviewing the match footage.

The lack of evidence to support Youngs' claim and absence of any complaint from Leicester have forced Blyth's decision.

"The incident has been reviewed and no action will be taken against Dylan Hartley," an RFU spokesperson said.

Referee Wayne Barnes referred the 15th-minute incident to television match official Trevor Fisher after hearing an unnamed player's allegation on the pitch.

Leicester boss Richard Cockerill confirmed Youngs' claim that he had been bitten, although stopped short of identifying a culprit.

"Tom said that he was bitten on the hand by someone he didn't elaborate on," Cockerill said.

"The referee referred it to the TMO, and looked at it and there was clearly nothing to look at. Maybe Tom was mistaken. It will be looked at by the relevant people."

It was unclear whether Mallinder intended speaking to Hartley because of his role as club captain or whether he was under any suspicion.

"I don't think there was anything in it. I would be very surprised," Mallinder said.

"I haven't looked into it, I have just come off the field. I will be speaking to Dylan about the incident.

"I would be very surprised. I have not spoken to Dylan about it, but I will do."